The LaGrange College Panthers fought back and held on for win number one of the season in their home opener over Ferrum College, 44-38.
LC took an early 10-7 lead toward the end of the first quarter after the teams traded touchdowns and kicker Alex Rivera made a 40-yard field goal, but the second quarter was not the same story.
Ferrum took control of most of that quarter, scoring three touchdowns and taking a 28-17 lead with 1:11 left in the first half. Panther Quarterback Shedrick Lindsey cut the lead to four, throwing a 35-yard touchdown pass to Jasharie Anderson, who had all but 3 of his receiving yards on that catch.
The second half favored the Panthers. They outscored Ferrum 14-0 in the third quarter, scoring on a Lindsey pass to Eric Harris. Then, 20 seconds later, Renardo Faust returned a Ferrum interception 16 yards for a touchdown, one of four Ferrum turnovers on the day.
The Panthers held on in the fourth quarter, growing their lead to nine with four and a half minutes left after an Aubrey Carter 26-yard run. A late Ferrum field goal cut the lead to six, but the Panthers recovered the ensuing onside kick to hold on to win game number one of the 2022 campaign.
While the Panthers were outgained 408-343, they had standouts on the offensive side. Lindsey threw for 220 yards, completing 18 passes, with 3 touchdowns and no interceptions. Running back Aubrey Carter shined in the backfield for the Panthers, running for 103 yards on 10 carries and two touchdowns. While All-American De'Queze Fryer was limited to 28 yards on 3 catches, sophomore wide receiver Ajani Williams had 89 yards on six catches with a touchdown.
The defensive standout was Isaiah Screen, having 13 tackles (nine solo), one and a half tackles for loss and forcing a fumble.
The Panthers will look to build on the win next Saturday in the conference opener at home against Methodist University at 1 p.m.
Story by Eli Rogers
